Auto World: Renewable Natural Gas

A closer look at a natural gas with unlimited potential as an automotive fuel. See more at http://www.motorweek.org/

Ford Leads Auto Industry in Using 3D Imaging to Improve Quality, Making F-Series Trucks Even Tougher, Quieter

• Ford now using 3D mapping to better analyze rear truck axles for problems that could affect reliability; technology also provides for a smoother, quieter ride in F-Series pickups
• Photogrammetric pattern reader (PPR) technology instantly stitches together 9,000 images of truck axles during assembly for 3D analysis
• PPR automated analysis provides faster and more efficient assessment over manual visual inspections

 

DEARBORN, Mich., May 28, 2013 – Ford engineers are using 3D mapping in what is believed to be the technology’s first application in the auto industry to better analyze rear axle parts of F-Series pickups during assembly, leading to a smoother, quieter ride for drivers of Ford trucks.

 

Similar to Google Earth, which uses three-dimensional imaging to map the world, Ford’s photogrammetric pattern reader (PPR) uses a pair of digital cameras to combine photos of the axle gears into a series of 3D pictures that are compared against an ideal computer model of the gears. Gears that don’t meet “Built Ford Tough” specifications are discarded.

 

“PPR technology is the next evolution in quality control for our commercial trucks,” said David Gravel, an engineer in Ford’s advanced manufacturing group. “While traditional, visual inspections of our axle gears ensure we’re delivering dependable, tough trucks to our customers, this new technology allows us to conduct our inspections faster, and at a level of detail the human eye just cannot discern.

 

“We constantly look for ways to go further for our customers,” he added, “and this system is one example of how we are making our trucks even more reliable.”

 

Ford’s system uses line scan cameras and infrared lights to turn a series of two-dimensional image slices into a single three-dimensional image for analysis. It was developed with Madison, Wis.-based Automated Vision and ATM Automation in Livonia, Mich.

 

 

“This technology is part of a trend where companies like Ford are using advanced automation to increase accuracy and consistency in production,” said Nan Zhang, a scientist at Automated Vision. “Computer vision is booming and is a very important topic for the next decade.”

 

Now in use at Ford’s Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., PPR stations are being rolled out in Ford plants worldwide.

 

How does it work?

The complex curvature of the hypoid gears used on the rear axle ring and pinion makes it impossible to see both sides of each gear tooth in a single image. The two cameras used on the inspection rig capture 9,000 1024x1-pixel images from each side of every gear tooth in a matter of seconds as the gears rotate. The processing system contains a digital model of the gear profile that is then used to stitch these images together and flatten out the gear teeth into a single 3D panoramic image that can easily be scanned to ensure the teeth are meshing correctly.

 

Any parts that show anomalies that could cause noise or durability issues are scrapped. On average, only two to five parts per every 1,000 parts fall outside the tight tolerance range for acceptability.

New York Diversifies With Alternative Fuels

Learn how Monroe County's green fueling station offers local governments a variety of alternative fuels in Rochester, New York.

See more at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/

DuraRac® Shelving System by Masterack

GM Express/Savana

Ford E-Series

DuraRac® Shelving System - The DuraRac® Interior Shelving System lets you slide the entire storage system outside your vehicle for easy access. Your van's interior storage has never been used so efficiently! No crawling into the van on an unseen object or tool, pullout shelves bring everything within easy reach! Standard configuration includes three shelves that can be easily adjusted to fit your needs.

Features and Benefits:

• Commercial grade-drawer slides that extend fully. Heavy duty modular system.
• Easily add shelves, drawers, and dividers.
• Trade packages available for caterers, florists, parcel delivery, painters, and general contractors, call for details.

See more at http://www.masterack.com/

Tieman 2 tonne Cantilever Tail Lift walk around at Brisbane Truck Show 2013

Quick walk around the new Tieman 2 tonne Tailgate loader. Brisbane truck show 2013. Video courtesy of www.truckworld.com.au.

See more about Tieman products at www.tieman.com.au/

VIA Motors Electric Vehicles - Specializing in Electric Trucks, Electric Vans & Electric SUV's

VIA Motors introduces it's game-changing full size electric vehicles at the historic Salt flats powered by new electric technology that provides up to 402 "electric horses" under the hood setting the new standard for trucks and clean transportation.

This video premiered at the 2013 North American International Auto Show with automotive legend, Bob Lutz hosting the press conference on January 14, 2013. VIA Motors specializes in extended-range electric trucks, electric vans and electric SUV's with no range limitations.

Follow VIA at http://www.facebook.com/viamotors and http://www.twitter.com/VTRUX

For more info, please visit http://www.viamotors.com

AutoWorld: Green Truck Summit

The work truck industry goes green on a grand scale. See more about the NTEA Work Truck Show and Green Truck Summit at www.ntea.com. Video courtesy of www.motorweek.com

Commercial Vehicle 2013 - Iveco Interview

For more information go to http://www.vansa2z.com.

VansA2Z Editor Neil McIntee met up with Martin Flach, Product Director for Iveco in the UK at the 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show. Daily gets Stop/Start and gearshift indicator.

Find Iveco dealerships in the UK here: http://www.iveco-dealership.co.uk/

B&W Trailer Hitches Delivers First Aftermarket Gooseneck Hitch for 2013 RAM 3500 Trucks

 

America’s number-one-selling gooseneck hitch manufacturer puts popular Turnoverball solution in distribution, while OEM struggles with product delays

HUMBOLDT, Kan.—B&W Trailer Hitches, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of heavy-duty, engineered trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories, announced that it has begun shipping its new GNRK 1314 aftermarket gooseneck trailer hitch to its nationwide distribution network. The new hitch features B&W’s popular Turnoverball design and provides the same ease of installation and simplicity of use that the North American trailer-hauling marketplace has come to know and expect.

 

Many 2013 RAM 3500 owners have been stunned to discover that the accessories necessary for their factory-installed gooseneck trailer hitch to function are simply not yet available. Preliminary data also suggests that if owners did not specify RAM’s towing package, they might have to pay for the bed of their new truck to be removed in order to install the MOPAR gooseneck hitch. Either way, the RAM owner’s hitch is rendered inoperable because there is currently no hitch ball available.

 

“This unfortunate set of circumstances has caused inconvenience and confusion among my customers,” Hayden Elder, principle of Elder Dodge in Athens, Texas, said. “Our customers prefer the B&W brand over any other gooseneck hitch, and I’m grateful that we have their GNRK 1314 hitch available now, as the RAM 3500s begin hitting our lot.” 

 

Enter B&W Trailer Hitches and their new GNRK 1314 aftermarket gooseneck trailer hitch. An online video demonstrates that the GNRK 1314 installs much like the other B&W gooseneck trailer hitch kits that have become number-one sellers among truck dealers and end-users alike. B&W’s new hitch is comparably priced with its other gooseneck offerings, with an MSRP of $494 and fits on any 2013 RAM 3500 without a factory-installed hitch prep package. Best of all, the new hitch comes with B&W’s signature Turnoverball feature, which allows the hitch ball to invert in its mounting socket when not in use to stow securely and flush with the bed of the truck.

 

In contrast to B&W’s Turnoverball design, the RAM’s OE hitch ball, when it eventually becomes available, will need to be removed from its mounting socket and stowed elsewhere. Removing the hitch ball from its mounting location leaves it prone to being lost, misplaced and generally becoming a storage nuisance.

 

“Since we introduced the Turnoverball in 1992, gooseneck users have grown accustomed to turning over and stowing the hitch ball where they use it, and it’s hard for us to imagine why the OE would revert to an outdated, less practical design,” Travis McCall, product engineer for B&W Trailer Hitches, said. “Our new GNRK 1314 honors B&W’s reputation for creating easy-to-install hitches that are easy to use as well.”

 

B&W’s GNRK 1314 aftermarket gooseneck trailer hitch has been carefully engineered to match the towing capacity of the 2013 RAM 3500. The product has been extensively tested and is certified as meeting the vehicle tow rating (VTR). As with any towing scenario, B&W strongly recommends that users never exceed a VTR.

 

“For over a quarter of a century, we’ve enjoyed serving truck dealers of all brands, who love installing our hitch products for their customers,” Beth Barlow, marketing manager for B&W Trailer Hitches, said. “Our quick assessment of this needs gap and our rapid response to fill it are a testament to B&W’s dedication to our RAM dealer customers, their customers and the towing marketplace at large.”

 

B&W Trailer Hitches specializes in designing and engineering trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories, and has a proud reputation as a U.S.-based manufacturer and innovator. The company’s workforce makes all of its products entirely in Humboldt, Kan. The design of the GNRK 1314 aftermarket gooseneck trailer hitch has a patent pending. A complete product catalog can be accessed on the B&W website.

 

B&W’s GNRK 1314 aftermarket gooseneck trailer hitch can be used to replace the product designation 53W 5^th Wheel/Gooseneck Towing Prep Group, for the 2013 RAM 3500. A fifth wheel hitch is expected to be introduced within several weeks.

 

B&W’s GNRK 1314 aftermarket gooseneck trailer hitch can be purchased online, and a dealer locator is also available at: http://www.Turnoverball.com/find-a-dealer

 

To access high-resolution images of B&W’s GNRK 1314 aftermarket gooseneck trailer hitch, please visit:

http://www.Turnoverball.com/Turnoverball-model-1314-press

 

To view an installation video for B&W’s GNRK 1314 aftermarket gooseneck trailer hitch, please visit:

http://www.Turnoverball.com/ramchanges

 

 

About B&W Trailer Hitches

Based in Humboldt, Kan., B&W Trailer Hitches engineers and manufactures trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories. B&W offers a broad selection of products designed to seamlessly integrate with and enhance the use of trucks and the vehicles and equipment they tow. All B&W products are proudly manufactured in the USA, in a state-of-the-art facility that houses a skilled workforce of craftsmen and the most technologically advanced equipment available. B&W is recognized as an innovator and invented the Turnoverball gooseneck hitch, which revolutionized the industry in 1992. To learn more about B&W Trailer Hitches, please visit: http://www.Turnoverball.com

 

Turnoverball is a trademark of B&W Trailer Hitches.

RAM is a trademark of Chrysler Group LLC. The terms RAM, 2013 RAM 3500 and references to models and product designations are for reference purposes only. B&W, nor its products are sponsored or endorsed by RAM, and there is nothing else in the use of the RAM brand designation that should lead a reader to believe that there is an association between B&W and RAM.

UD Trucks Quon CW 26-380 Walkaround

Quick walk around the new UD Quon 26 380 truck. Brisbane truck show 2013.

See more about UD Trucks in Australia at www.UDTrucks.com.au.

See more about Truck World at www.TruckWorld.com.au.

Iveco Gets Back In The Road Train Business With Power Star 7800 Prime Mover

Quick walk around the new Iveco Power Star 7800 Prime Mover. Brisbane Trucks show 2013.

See more about Iveco Trucks in Australia, see www.Iveco.com.au.

See more about TruckWorld.com at www.TruckWorld.com.au.

First Impressions: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup

GM's best-selling Silverado gets an overhaul, including a trio of new, more fuel-efficient engines. MotorWeek's John Davis has first driving impressions of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.

Introducing Stellar® Slider20-S Sliding Jib Hooklift

Garner, Iowa - Stellar Industries, Inc. announces the Slider20-S Hooklift. This new 20,000-pound capacity sliding-jib hooklift can handle container variations of 10’ to 14’ and up to 16’ flatbeds.  It has a maximum dump angle of 72-degrees.

 

 

 

         Hook height options for the Slider20-S include a fixed 35.63”, a fixed 54”, or a hydraulically adjustable 35.63” to 54” hook height.  Adjusting the hook height to accommodate varying container heights can be done in less than 7 seconds without ever leaving the cab. The Slider20-S is compatible with a multitude of bodies and containers, including those used on competitive brand hooklifts, making this a very attractive model for a customer operating a variety of body lengths and hook heights.

 

         Other standard features of the Slider20-S include hexagonal boom design for added strength and durability, zinc plated pins to prevent corrosion, bushings and grease zerks at all pivot points, and a secure hose track for the hydraulic adjustable jib.  This hooklift features easily replaceable wear pads, two-part polyurethane paint and a new, efficient mounting kit that will save installation time by using slotted brackets already painted and welded onto the hooklift base.  

 

         “The Slider20-S really bridges the gap between lower capacity hooklifts that handle the 10’ to 14’ container range and the need to increase the lifting and dumping capacity,” says Glenn Rasmus, Stellar Industries sales and product manager for demountables.  Rasmus adds, “In addition, the hydraulic adjustable hook height is changed in 7 seconds without leaving the cab.  This is a feature customers are raving about!  Stellar continues to provide solutions to customer’s problems with resounding success, leading the way as a hooklift innovator.”  Rasmus concludes, “With over 55 different models of hooklifts available, which includes standard double pivot shuttles, single pivot, and sliding jib versions, Stellar Industries can cover your every need.”

 

    The Slider20-S will be on display at Waste Expo 2013 in New Orleans, May 21-23.  You can find it in the Stellar Industries booth, #1635.

 

                                                        

Stellar Industries, Inc. was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa.   It is an employee owned and operated manufacturer of hydraulic truck mounted equipment.  Products include hooklift hoists, cable hoists, container carriers, telescopic cranes, articulating cranes, work truck accessories and the X-Tra-Lift pick-up loading device.  Stellar also offers complete mechanic service truck and tire service truck packages.  Stellar is a progressive company that focuses on its people, as they are the key to making the products and the company successful. www.StellarIndustries.com

11' Welder-Crane Body On RAM 4500/5500 Chassis With Options

There is almost unlimited  space provided in this Harbor 11' Welder-Crane Body. It starts as a Harbor 11' TradeMaster Service Body and is upfitted to accommodate a welding machine, gas cutting bottles, lots of storage, and a rear convenient work height table. This one is on a new RAM 4500/5500 chassis.

It has some options. This unit has standard 56" compartments except the two front compartments are taller, in fact they are taller than the cab! The left front cabinet is provided with 9 sliding and divided drawers for the storage of small parts. This allows for organizing parts according to size. The front right compartment is set up for welder bottles with bottle brackets and rings and vented doors.

This is the best view of the crane and crane rest. Mounted on the curb side, the crane is a Venturo ET12K. It has a lifting capacity of 3,500 pounds, a 12,500 ft-lbs moment rating, a 7'-15' manually extended boom and features electric actuated winch, elevation and rotation.

This unit also sports a Floor Extension for a work platform to get some quick jobs done in the field. This is our 18" Work Platform. It is available on any Service Body and provides a great work area for work on the job site. This one has small compartments with doors on the sides. They are available with or without compartments.This is a relatively inexpensive way to add some great workspace for those who use their truck in the field. Instead of a fold-down rear tailgate, there is a drop-in gate instead.

It has a drop in tailgate and a standard 8" step and tow bumper.
 

To find out more, you may call Harbor Truck Bodies at 800-433-9452. Also find them at www.htbi.net

2013 Ram HD First Drive and Impressions

We drove some heavy machinery with gigantic trailers and heavy loads in order to test the new Ram Hds to their extreme capabilities...and we survived just fine. Check out our video and see what we think about the new three-quarter and one-ton pickup with their new power train choices, all-new interior, and cool features.

See more about this review at www.pickuptrucks.com